For a modern production razor that shaves like a Gillette NEW I would recommend the Parker 24C.

These are beautiful razors and they shave extremely well. The handle is, I believe, plated brass. The shaving head is most likely plated zamak, But there is no reason why this should stop you buying one -- I love my expensive all stainless extravagance razor, but there are zamak razors out there that will certainly out-last the original purchaser if properly maintained.

Anyway, the Parker company makes fine razors and I think they are certainly as good as Merkurs. They don't get the attention they deserve. Mind you, the actual Gillette NEW razors on Delta Echo Razor Works are perfectly gorgeous! A bit expensive, but worth every dime I'll bet.

(09-26-2015, 12:27 PM)hobgoblin Wrote: I guess it depends on which model NEW. Have been shaving with the NEW Big Boy Chromium Deluxe and a Wolfman OC lately and I find the shaves fairly similar, smooth and close.